News

Resourceful Virginia College staff and students help their communities

Feb 9, 2012

Montgomery: Campus President Chris Ducote recently wrote about a graduate who completed her Cosmetology program despite sizable difficulties at home.

While in school, Yvette Reynolds became involved in the Cut it Out program which unites salon professionals and cosmetology students against domestic violence. Soon, Ms. Reynolds, a victim of domestic violence herself, started speaking to her instructors and fellow students about her experiences. She rallied several students who were also victims and, together, they raised money to support Cut it Out and created a pamphlet about their experiences which was distributed at the school.

At the school's spring Town Hall meeting, she spoke about her plight, saying Virginia College "really helped me get through each day."

"I needed to finish the program so badly so I could provide for myself and my child. Every day when I woke up I told myself I was one day closer to my goal," she continued.

Ms. Reynolds recently landed a hair stylist position at a local family salon in Montgomery. Among other Virginia College staffers, she credits Financial Planning Director Alexander Lewis, Instructor Carroll Bonner, Instructor Sheila Waddell, Career Services Assistant Kisha Jolly and Mr. Ducote for her positive student experience.

Mobile: In December, students and staff came together to raise money for the Salvation Army. They rang bells at two entrances at the local mall, raising $555 and enjoying a friendly competition between the groups.

Columbia. The campus was recently recognized by the South Carolina Smart Business Recycling Program for its recycling efforts in 2011. They are now a Participating Partner in the statewide effort for 2012–2013.